Anger is a common emotion that we all experience, but when it becomes frequent or intense, it can have profound negative effects on our physical health. It not only affects our mind, but also our heart and gastrointestinal system.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association has revealed that anger can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks. The researchers examined how three different emotions—anger, anxiety, and sadness—affect heart function. Participants were subjected to tasks that induced each of these emotions, and then blood flow in their arms was assessed using a pressure cuff.
Results detailed by The Wall Street Journal showed that those in the angry group had worse blood flow compared to the other groups, as their blood vessels did not dilate properly. This suggests that anger can damage arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Anger not only affects the heart, but also the gastrointestinal system. When someone gets angry, the body produces numerous proteins and hormones that increase inflammation. This chronic inflammation can increase the risk of several diseases.
The sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight system,” is also activated during episodes of anger, diverting blood flow from the intestine to the major muscles.
Additionally, anger causes the spaces between cells in the lining of the intestines to open, allowing more food and waste to pass through these spaces, creating more inflammation. This inflammation can manifest itself in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.
Finally, anger can have a profound impact on our brain and cognitive ability. According to Joyce Tam, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, anger involves nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, the front part of the brain that affects attention, cognitive control and ability. to regulate emotions.
When we get angry, the body releases stress hormones into the bloodstream. High levels of these hormones can damage nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Damage to the prefrontal cortex can affect decision-making, attention and executive function, while the hippocampus, the main part of the brain for memory, can have its ability to learn and retain information disrupted.
Techniques to manage anger in a healthy way
There are several strategies to manage anger in a way that minimizes its negative impact on our health. Stephen Lupe of the Cleveland Clinic recommends techniques such as meditation, hypnosis, and mindfulness. These practices can help reduce the body’s response to anger and promote greater calm.
Another approach is to learn to express anger in healthier ways. Instead of repressing or exploding, you can try to acknowledge and express anger constructively. For example, instead of yelling or throwing objects, you can say, “I’m angry because X, Y, and Z, and that’s why I don’t want to eat with you or I need a hug or support.” This type of communication can help mitigate anger and prevent it from building up.
Additionally, it is suggested that mental health exercises, such as certain forms of talk therapy or breathing exercises, can improve some of the physical problems caused by anger.
With information from Infobae
